Islamic Dietary Laws and Practices

Eid ul-Adha

Every year, Muslims
celebrate the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid ul-Adha), on the tenth
day of the last month (Zul Hijjah) of the Islamic lunar calendar. This festival
reminds Muslims of the great sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) when
he was about to sacrifice his only son Ishmael for the love of God. Every
Muslim, who can afford it, is expected to sacrifice and animal, a sheep or
goat. For bigger animals (a cow or camel), a group of five individuals may
share the cost of sacrificing one animal. After sacrificing an animal, Muslims
are to distribute the meat into three parts: one-third to the needy, one-third
to relatives, friend and neighbors, and the remaining one-third for one's
own family. This tradition inculcates into the minds of Muslims the concept
of sacrificing one's money, time, efforts, etc., all for the love of God.
It also builds up a feeling of concern and a sense of sharing among friends,
relatives, neighbors, and the needy. Muslims from all over the world, who
can afford it, congregate at Mecca, Arabia, for the performance of Hajj and
celebrate this occasion.